After MANY years as a frustrated wannabe artist I was able to begin doing IT after quitting my jobs in education. I did infuse the arts into my teaching at every opportunity. Now I dabble in the fiber arts as much as possible.
I also enjoy being with family, reading, playing poker, walking my dog, Beethoven and teaching quilting arts and other areas of the fiber arts.

I'm putting quilts on the beds and refolding others so am including a few of the quilts that I have made. The bright one with lots of detail was so fun. I made it while also teaching it at our quilt club. note all the techniques including paper piecing, applique, postage stamp borders in both 1 inch and 1/2inch blocks,etc..

The blue ragamuffin quilt is very special. My mom embroidered all the ragamuffins (12) and gave them to me for xmas a couple of years ago. I did the rest.

And of course the Christmas quilt.

And look at the rose braving the cold weather. Beautiful roses still blooming outside the dining window.

I just finished a scarf for my secret sister. It has a brown wool outside, inner part is soft fabric with a faint Asian twist and it is decorated with animal print velour, crystals and feathers at one end. It can either drape or one end can be tucked into the loop for a more formal look. I hope that she likes it.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

I'm kind a collector of Natalie Hamade stuff. Soon she'll be too well known and I won't be able to afford them. I have a display of her things that are mine now around an upside down chair with dolls climbing all over it. The chair won 2nd place in the chair contest at Las Vegas Art Stamps here in Vegas. It's all rather whimsical, don't you think??

Here she is!!! I think that she is ready for the holiday season and she does have an attitude!!! She will be on Dollstreet Cristys on auction as requested by Deb who sent the torso and one arm to begin with. TADAAA

I took part in an Artists Showcase last Saturday and sold four items. Three dolls, Big Mama, a gourd doll, a fairy dioll and 1 of the trash to treasures. And one handbag with cats on it. That's 12 items in October and November. Not too shabby but now who knows when the next sales will come. hmmm.

Here's a picture of Pete the Pirate. He was in the show but didn't sell. He will go to one of my sons for Christmas.

Wow, it has been a busy and productive week and a half. I made 5 new trash to treasure dolls for the Artists Showcase in which I participated last Saturday, made tree new scarves, made two new pillows, taught two classes and made up kits for 35 participants and made a fun big Santa pillow. In addition, I went on the shop hop hitting all the quilt shops and having lunch at a delightful new tea house in Boulder City with four friends. I love being busy and getting things done, too.

Friday, November 10, 2006

I was so lucky, I guess. I sold 8 dolls on October and without trying. I sold one, Hortensi at the Desert Quilters Retreat. I sold 4 after the retreat. I sold 3 from the trunk show I did for the Stevens college Alumnus meeting. Next Saturday I'm participating in another art show so could sell more. Although I need the room I love every doll that I make. But if someone else likes them I'm happy.

Today 4 of my friends and I did the annual shop hop. What fun but a full day. We had lunch at a wonderful little tea house in Boulder City. Of course that is our favorite place to play outside of Vegas. The quilt shop, Fiddlesticks is a favorite, too. We filled the trunk of my car with things we HAD TO HAVE. Now to find room for it in our very full stashes. And we vowed that we were not going shopping, just hopping. We are lucky to have 6 very nice quilt shops in and near Las Vegas. I haven't shared any quilts here but I will. Now I'm tired and we have another Doll Club meeting tomorrow. This time it is the Las Vegas Silver Dollers. And we are going to meet at Maurine's house. What a day it will be to see all of her art. We are also having a class on wig making by Fran Meehan.

Later I'll tell you about our Hello Dollies group. We have 4 of the best doll teachers in the country coming to teach the Dollies this year. YIPEEEEE!!

I took workshops with Vida Williams so I could play with my friends and I have a group of the BEST!!! These dolls are not my everyday thing but I have to say I really enjoyed making them and they won't go away real soon. They are somewhat primitive but dying fabric for them and their garments was fun. And the one in black is so cuddly.